VS gets backing of central leadership

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The central leadership of the CPM came to the rescue of veteran leader V S Achuthanandan and directed the state leadership to freeze the second chapter of the activity report carrying severe criticism against the Opposition Leader.Apparently hurt over the attack in the ongoing state conference, VS had moved the politburo and general secretary Prakash Karat complaining that the state leadership had deliberately singled him out in the criticism and had deviated from the guidelines issued for the conference. He also wanted the politburo to allow him to make an explanation.However, the general secretary pointed out that it was unprecedented in the party to allow any individual to make his personal explanation and it was for the state secretariat functioning as steering committee to prepare the reply. He also pointed out that the politburo was looking in to the issue.The PB had also asked for the translation of the second chapter of the report for its consideration.Later, when the available politburo met at the AKG centre on Thursday afternoon, the members pointed out that the criticism against VS contained personal vengeance.Also, many of the allegations levelled against him had occurred before 2008 and had been considered by the PB.They pointed out that the PB had considered the allegations while demoting him to the central committee.It is learned that politburo members Sitaram Yechury and Brinda Karat had vehemently opposed the tirade against VS and wanted the PB to freeze the second chapter.It has also been pointed out that initiating any action or belittling the leader of VS’ stature would not help the party any way. But the PB members from the official faction had wanted to retain the criticism as the politburo, if necessary, could remove it later.While briefing the media, politburo member Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said it was natural in the party to criticise the leaders to correct their follies if any and no one was above criticism.